General Information About Benign Bone Tumors
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
They are abnormal bone growths originating from the bone's own cells that grow slowly, do not invade surrounding tissues, and are not life-threatening.
In the vast majority of cases, they remain benign and do not turn into cancer. However, because some rare types (especially like multiple osteochondromas) have a 1% risk of becoming cancerous, regular medical follow-up is mandatory.
Often they show no symptoms and are found incidentally on X-rays taken for another reason. Some present as a hard lump felt from the outside, a mild ache, or sudden fractures (pathologic fractures) in the weakened bone.
Especially during childhood and adolescence, benign bone cysts can be mistaken for 'growing pains' and neglected. If a child has leg pain that increases at night, orthopedic imaging must be performed.
The smooth borders of the mass on X-ray films guide the diagnosis. An MRI is requested to see the extent of the lesion within the bone or into the surrounding soft tissue, and if necessary, a biopsy is performed to prove it is benign.
Small tumors that do not cause complaints are only monitored with periodic MRIs. If the tumor makes the bone prone to fracture or restricts joint movement, it is surgically scraped out (curettage) and the cavity is filled with bone graft (powder).
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
